Management and Wildlife Conservation - Zimbabwe

Introduction

Rhino’s and elephants are at the top of the news reel almost every day. Unfortunately, it is normally to do with the poaching of these beautiful animals. Here at this project you can make a different in the fight to save these two species, in addition to other animals. At this rhino breeding project you will have first-hand experience at a wildlife breeding facility that has had many successful stories with reintroducing rhino to wildlife areas. Also get involved with the rescued elephants that are used to do anti-poaching patrols.

Your Role as a Volunteer

The conservancy began in 1972 by a passionate and dedicated conservationist, who together with his wife began the rhino breeding programme. In the 1980’s poaching of rhinos became so severe that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife removed the remaining rhino’s in Zimbabwe and placed them into Intensive Protection Zones within private conservancies, in hopes of saving the dwindling species. As a result of this, seven rhino calves were handed over to the conservancy, which then decided to start a rhino breeding project with which to restock the national parks around the country. The original seven bred very well and produced 14 calves, 11 of which were reintroduced to a local national park. However, in 2007 tragedy stuck the project and four rhinos, including an unborn calf, were killed by poachers.

Today this rhino breeding and conservation organisation has 4 black rhino and 2 white rhino and are positive about their efforts to get back to where they were before the poaching incident. They also have a small herd of elephant, lion, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, crocodile and hippo, as well as a variety of antelope. Due to the poaching catastrophe that has hit Africa in the last number of years, these animals are accompanied by armed guards both day and night to make sure of their safety. During the day, while accompanying the elephants out to feed the guards perform anti-poaching patrols.

This project offers volunteers a unique experience to live amongst wildlife and share in the daily experiences of a conservation project. You will get to know the animals individually yet still know that you are taking part in prolonging the existence of their species. Additionally, as a volunteer you will help collect important data to be used in research projects by wildlife conservationists and biologists.

Daily Activities

Observing and collecting data on the behaviour and social interactions of the black rhino

Feeding and walking rhino with their guards

Teaching co-operative elephant handling

Animal and plant monitoring – collecting data for research projects on the go

Night drives and camping in the bush. Bush patrols on foot, in a vehicle or on horse-back

Tree planting and bush clearing – removal of alien species. Maintenance of the game fence

General teaching assistance at the local school including conservation education plus lessons in permaculture and sports

Working in the vegetable gardens and tree nurseries.

If you would like to come for a longer period time and volunteer and want to focus on a particular activity, it can also generally be arranged. If you are studying biology, zoology, ecology or towards a conservation degree this project is ideal for you to expand on your knowledge and experience in the field, as well as give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge.

The Project’s Mission

This project aims to protect and conserve wildlife and restore rhino species to their previous habitats in Zimbabwe. Together with their work in the community this conservation organisation strives to teach the local people about the importance of conservation and protection of their wildlife.

A large thatched house on the banks of the largest dam in the heart of the conservancy will be your home while volunteering with this project. The house is fully equipped and has 3 twin rooms and a large dorm room that sleeps up to five people. There are two bathrooms inside the house as well as an outside shower for those really hot days. Additionally, hot and cold water is provided for baths, showers and cooking. The house has its own borehole, so safe drinking water is available at the house. Three cooked meals are served a day, prepared by the in house cook. On Sunday however, volunteers will be expected to prepare their own food. If you have any special dietary requirements please be sure to fill it out in your application form.

Laundry can be arranged for volunteers and washing powder is also provided if volunteers want to wash their own clothes. Internet access is not good; however volunteers will be given an opportunity to send emails one day a week during their stay. Internet is very slow however and connection cannot always be guaranteed. Electricity is available at the house; with a generator to provide back-up should there be any power outages supply: 220V. Sockets: 3 pin UK-style.

Arrival

On arrival in Harare, Zimbabwe, the project can either meet you from Harare International Airport or from the approved accommodation partners in Harare (listed in additional information to be sent to you on booking). Please note that if your flight arrives after 5.30pm then volunteers will need to arrange overnight accommodation (at listed accommodation) for the night before their programmes start date. Someone from the project will then pick you up from the lodge the next day on your programme start date. Please make sure that you inform us of your travel plans before you leave home.

Transport

The project is located on a remote game park and therefore traveling around the area will be difficult. Transport is included for all your volunteering activities. Further travel inside of Zimbabwe can be achieved using inter-city buses and pre-arranged transfers. Staff at the project will help you with this.

Accommodation and food

As a volunteer you live in the heart of the project. You live in a big house with a thatched roof located next to a large pond. The house is fully equipped and has three twin bedrooms and a large dormitory that accommodates up to five people. Inside there are two bathrooms and outdoor shower for really hot days. There are hot and cold water intended for bathing, showers and cooking. Electricity is in the house with English sockets.

There is Wifi at the center. They have a ticketing system for the WIFI that cost 5USD per person and then you get 100MGB, if you use use up your MGB then you buy a new ticket. The recommendation is to only write mail to loved ones. Do not upload images or videos and keep track when you log on to the network that you do not have unnecessary apps that start update as soon as you go online, this will otherwise empty you MGB soon. Take the opportunity to be offline and enjoy the moment!

It includes three meals a day except on Sundays when you stand for your own cooking. Are you allergic to anything or have special dietary requirements, it is important that you notify this in your application.

Leisure Time

During your volunteering time at the conservancy you will have one day off a week to relax or take part in one of the many activities available at the project. Volunteers can go fish, canoe, undertake rifle training, go camping, enjoy a day of horse-riding, go hiking up Wedza Mountain or find the bushman paintings in Markwe Caves. Of course volunteers are also able to relax around the volunteer pool and enjoy the African sun.

Trips to Harare can also be arranged for souvenir and gift shopping. Of course Zimbabwe is also home to the famous Victoria Falls. Staff at the project can also assist you in planning and booking your trip before or after your stay at the project.

About Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe means “house of stone” in the indigenous Shona language from the first ancient civilization that arose from what is now known as the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Zimbabwe’s vastness encompasses diverse tourist attractions from Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba to the Eastern Highlands. Zimbabweans are known for being friendly and hardworking despite the many years of hardship under Robert Mugabe’s rule.

Practical

Security and Safety

The vast majority of visitors to Zimbabwe suffer no problems but if you have any specific questions we advise you to ask our reservations team when you book. The project itself is a family run organisation and provides a very close, comfortable and secure environment.

Flights

Flights are not included in the tour price and you can choose a travel agency of your choice to assist you with your flight arrangements. Flight details: Please be sure you check your flight dates and times coincide with project dates as well as arrival and departure requirements. Please note that if you decide to go before or after your time at the project, our local partners are not responsible for you or providing you with accommodation etc.

Visa Requirements

Some nationalities require that a visa is arranged before arrival. Please be sure to check your status with your local Zimbabwe embassy to establish your visa requirements well in advance to your travel date. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have a visa for the entire duration of your stay at the project. Costs involved with visas are not included in the tour price. Costs incurred by the project because of an expired visa will have to be reimbursed by the volunteer.

Insurance

It is your own responsibility to make sure that your insurance covers illness, injury and theft whilst you are volunteering. Most travel agency’s sell a travel insurance that is valid for volunteer work, so be sure to enquire about it when booking your flight tickets. Volunteer Travels does however, supply liability insurance and is included in the price. Liability insurance applies to instances when compensation for damages is demanded of you, as a private person, for unintentionally hurting someone or for unintentionally damaging someone else’s property

How to book a trip?

You can book your trip with Volunteer Travels by calling us on (+46) 08-23 93 00 or by booking through our website www.volunteertravels.com by clicking on “Book a trip”. You can also email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. When you have registered yourself we will send you an invoice with a registration fee of £200.00. The registration fee is later incorporated into the trip price and the amount is then deducted from your final invoice. When you have paid the registration fee you are formally registered. You will then receive preparatory information from us in good time to plan your trip.

Vaccinations

Remember to get vaccinated with all the necessary inoculations before this project. Check with a vaccination centre or your doctor for which vaccinations you need. We recommend that you have a full protection against Hepatitis A and B, cholera, and polio. There is malaria in the area that you are traveling to. Please contact your doctor to find out what kind of prophylaxis you should be taking. Please be sure to also have your tetanus and rabies shot up to date as well.

Additionally, Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world. We strongly advise against promiscuity while you are traveling anywhere in Africa.

Projects

Resources

Organization

The Perfect World Foundation

We are a Scandinavian based independent non-profit organization established in 2010 to raise awareness, funding, and to take action together with animal and nature conservation projects around the world. Phone: +46 31 17 00 00 Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.